African parliament needs urgent reforms-speaker

JOHANNESBURG, May 7 (Reuters) The Pan-African Parliament (PAP), which is expected to evolve into a legislative body enacting binding laws for African states, is in urgent need of reform or it will not be effective, its speaker said today.

Gertrude Mongella said the PAP, one of several agencies set up by the 53-member African Union (AU) as part of its efforts to forge closer unity, could not help transform the impoverished continent under its current advisory role.

''The heads of state must re-examine the decision-making procedures within the African Union, adhere (to) and respect the protocol and mandate of the Pan African Parliament and properly define the decision making process,'' Mongella told the assembly.

The PAP, which has suffered from cash shortages, plays an advisory role to the AU but is ultimately expected to become a full-fledged legislative body enacting laws that will be binding for AU members.

Mongella told Ghanian President John Kufour, the current AU chair, during the parliament's seventh session that an advisory role would limit the PAP.

Its objectives include promotion of human rights and democracy in Africa, ensure transparency in member states and work for security and stability.

Kufour acknowledged that the African parliament faced numerous challenges.

''Many key issues as of its full powers are yet to be discussed,'' he said.

''The parliament must see to it as its duty to advance the socio-economic development and transformation of the continent''.

REUTERS RS RK2138